Keeping our good team happy

As I’ve mentioned before, when new subscribers come on board they have the opportunity to tell me a little more about what they do and what they would like to learn more about. Last week Kristina asked me how to keep their “good team happy” She said “For once we are fully staffed and all our reps are pretty good (no negative attitude in the bunch!) How do we keep them?”

My fingers started flying across the keyboard so fast I could hardly believe my eyes. Here’s what emerged.

“Create a fun and nurturing environment to work in. Make sure that your positive to negative ratio of actions and words is 5:1. Listen carefully for positivity and negativity in language and lean towards the “Here’s what I CAN do” rather than the “No, I can’t.”

Make sure that you understand what everybody’s strengths are, and focus on giving them the opportunity to express their strengths in their work. Find people doing something right. Then recognize them for it. Give people the chance to do what they do best.

Give them challenges that take them out of their comfort zone but not into the panic zone. Be there to encourage. Ask good empowering questions. Make sure you create the kind of environment where people feel good in your presence. That means make sure your light is shining first.

Don’t get out of the car if your don’t have a smile on your face and the intention to get in there and do the best job you can and help people feel good about themselves and you will have them forever.”

Now there are a few things I would add to this… of course. And can we actually keep them forever? Probably not in this day and age but we can keep their loyalty forever if we treat them right. Even if they do go, they will tell their friends what a great place it is to work and they will go out into the world as your ambassador.

There’s so much more to say about keeping the team happy, and more will come in time, after all this is a blog – an ongoing conversation. And take note – the conversation is changing as the world does. Pay attention. In the future places that are great places to work will be the only place the “A” players want to play.

About JoAnna Brandi

JoAnna Brandi has spent the last 20 years helping organizations of all sizes build their customer loyalty, increase their employee engagement, create more positive cultures and transform their customer service into Exquisite Customer Care. She has inspired tens of thousands to step up and "Dare to CARE" by creating authentic relationships with energy and enthusiasm.